Every year on June 26th, a somber but significant event takes place across the globe. It is a day dedicated to shining a light on the dark corners where the unspeakable crime of torture still lingers. The International Day to Support Victims of Torture serves as a powerful reminder of the urgent need to address…
Since the discovery of oil in the second half of the 19th century in the US, the political power of oil has been on ample display. It has been the most critical dimension in shaping international, domestic and social life. Subsequent detection of oil reserves in Russia, Latin America and Middle East meant that the…
In the words of Richard Woolf, the modern world is a story that has been repeated through centuries and that story is that of self-interest, selfishness, lust for power and complete disregard for mutual progress, magnanimity and dignity. Mankind has established many institutions with the mindset of egalitarianism and economic progress such as the United…
IntroductionThe ongoing discourse surrounding Islam in contemporary times has revealed numerous discrepancies as diverse religious authorities strive to define the permissible and prohibited aspects in Islam. As a consequence, religious communities often find themselves growing increasingly distant from the foundational scripture the Quran, constructing ethical frameworks and principles based on a myriad of supplementary sources….
As U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s plane touched down on Chinese soil, it was apparent that the welcome – or lack thereof – was symbolic of the frosty state of relations between the two superpowers. With no red carpets, no traditional greetings, and notably, no high-level Communist Party of China (CPC) officials present at…
China and the United States are emerging as the competitors for world leadership and economic dominance. This competition is being waged at a steep cost and more conflicts and divisions are in the process. The resources of the world are being spent on finding weaknesses and winning allies, while it is becoming increasing difficult for…
Across the world generally and in Pakistan specifically, the rate of polarisation within society can be readily judged by the exit of numerous of one’s friends from respective WhatsApp groups – particularly after a defining event in regular political discourse! Granted that in the Islamic Republic defining moments come and go but the recent bungling…
O you who believe! Why do you say that which you do not do? It is most hateful to Allah that you should say that which you do not do. (Quran;61:2-3)[1] Introduction The Muslims formed a great civilization and led the world for about a millennium. They have been in decline for the last few…
The top leadership of Pakistan and Iran met on Thursday May 18th, 2023 and inaugurated the first border market as relations warm between the two countries. This border market is located in the remote village of Pashin in Pakistan’s Balochistan province; this marketplace is the first of six to be constructed along the Pakistan-Iran border…
The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit has always been a platform for countries to come together and deliberate on regional peace, security, and socio-economic development. However, this year in early May 2023 the summit was held in an air of tension, palpable even from the sidelines as the political vacuum between India and Pakistan became…
